Professional Documents
Culture Documents
aUgUSt 2011
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THE PR ESIDENTS TA K E
Next Generation Programs I am writing this in the days after our 2011 graduation exercises. We had a record number of graduates attend the ceremony, and they and their families filled the auditorium with joyful noise. Now it is time to turn our eyes forward and continue our work at growing the nations workforce one graduate at a time. Toward that end, we are pursuing several exciting programmatic ideas. health industry is finally serious about moving its records into databases that allow those records to be stored, accessed, and transferred safely and quickly. This work will require a new generation of workers with IT and health care backgrounds. We believe this is a perfect niche for Charter Oak.
And our most ambitious project involves our firstnamed program. Charter Oak State College is working on a partnership agreement with a world-renowned pioneer in the field of personal computing, innovation and technology. This program will be positioned as the As the state finishes its budget this is an ambitious project, nations premier technology for next year, and the plans for and innovation degree program but it is the sort of creative reorganizing our sector emerge, providing the next generation we are working to bring three programming that Charter Oak of technologists skills, tools, and new programs forward. The knowledge to deal with the field was invented to provide. first is our graduate program of emerging technologies and in Organizational Effectiveness. innovation. It will be a bachelors level program, but it This new degree level and the program, itself, have long has the capability to grow to the Masters level and down been desired by our graduates. I cant begin to count the into K-12. We even have hopes to engage the Science/ number of our graduating students who asked me, on Museum sector to create content that we can deliver commencement Sunday, when Charter Oak would offer a to the K-12 world. As I said, this is an ambitious project, masters degree. We think this is it. but it is the sort of creative programming that Charter On the undergraduate level, we have spent the past year Oak was invented to provide. Stay tuned for a major engaged in market research to identify the programs announcement regarding this exciting new endeavor. that would provide access to emerging jobs. We hired Enjoy your summer. We will be busy working to make a company experienced in such research to guide our your College the best that it can be. efforts, and they identified a set of jobs that would be available in the coming five years, both in-state and beyond. Then we asked them to survey 750 adults who were looking for a bachelors degree about their views regarding those programs, the subject of online learning and Charter Oak. From the ensuing results we identified Health Information Management as our Ed Klonoski next focus. This program will align well with our current President Health Care Administration offerings, as well as our IT concentration. From what we have been hearing, the
carbon dioxide gas emissions are reduced by some 55 percent when fabric is manufactured from a plastic base versus manufacturing with virgin polyester and that the use of thermal recycled energy like that used to produce the graduation gowns saves expended energy by 52 percent. Additionally the plastic-based gowns
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fabric is softer to the touch and more breathable than traditional polyester fabric (and we all know about the positives of non-traditional, dont we?). Also new, this year, were the colorful green and white tassels that accompanied each graduates mortar board. Even tagless size labels were a 2011 gown feature. All gown sizes were
stamped onto the green gown material using soy ink. So, it looks like a green precedent has been set for future graduations. Who knows, cap and gown colors may even take a turn for the green in the years ahead.
Issued semi-annually by the Board for State Academic Awards for alumni and friends of Charter Oak State College.
Chuck Albert, Editor State of Connecticut Dannel P. Malloy, Governor Board for State Academic Awards Ed Klonoski, Executive Director
alumni profile
to his highly responsible Coast Guard position, he diligently pursued and reached his educational goal a career-enhancing Bachelor of Science degree from Charter Oak State College. During his military career, Bruce has been directly involved in many of the Coast Guards maritime law enforcement efforts including counternarcotic and embargo operations. He coordinated aid logistics for hurricane Katrina-stricken New Orleans and assumed critical leadership in developing a financial management system that aided the Coast Guards response role during the Haitian earthquake. He is a two-time recipient of the Chief Financial Officers Award for Excellence, winner of the Joel Magnussen Coast Guard Innovation Award and recipient of the Douglas A. Munro Award for Inspirational leadership just a few of the honors bestowed up him by the service branch committed to strengthening the nations future by educating, developing, training, and inspiring leaders of character It appears that
Charter Oak graduates have succeeded in a wide variety of professional endeavors, and a noteworthy career in the military is prominent among them. During his 27 years of service, Bruce Brown rose from a seaman recruit in the United States Coast Guard to the lofty rank of Commander. While executing assignments related
Enjoying before-dinner cocktails at the Alumni event are (l-r) Nancy Taylor, Charter Oaks Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Corporate Recruitment; Foundation Board Member Joyce Petrella and her husband Mario; and alum, Greg Sneed, 10, Deputy Chief of the Eastern Connecticut State University Police Department and his wife Helen.
for a 2012 gathering venue or for other activities the Association might sponsor, please contact Nancy Taylor,
Graduation was a family affair for four members of this years class. Victoria and Thomas Zakrzewski of Meriden, CT, mother and son, earned Bachelor of Arts degrees. A married couple, Mary and John Connelly, who are East Hampton, CT residents, were recipients of Bachelor of Science degrees. The Connellys hold health care management positions at Connecticuts Middlesex Hospital. In his remarks to the 175 attending graduates and their families and to other members of the Class of 2011 across the country who watched via a live Webcast, Charter Oak president, Ed Klonoski, sounded a
congratulatory note, then asked: Who, among you, could not have finished this degree if your courses were not available online? He was alluding to the creation of Charter Oak by the Connecticut State Legislature in 1973 to serve adult students and to the colleges status as Connecticuts only totally online public college. David Matthews, a Charter Oak alumnus and business consultant who is on special assignment for the U.S. Government in Afghanistan, received the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters. Most of Matthews career has been spent in industry management, negotiations
and investment advisory capacities. He currently serves the Department of Defense Civilian Expeditionary Workforce as a primary expert in Economics and Development with involvement in counterinsurgency strategies. Last November, he was awarded the NATO Medal for his service as Senior Strategic Advisor for Stability Operations in Afghanistans capital city of Kabul. He will return to his duties in Kabul this summer. Klonoski read a congratulatory letter in which General David Petraeus, U.S. Commander in Afghanistan, lauded Matthews for his service and achievements.
Jackie Sahadi
Dawn Politz (l) and Carolyn Bystrak, were honored by the State Legislature for their academic achievement while members of the Charter Oak State College Class of 2011.
Joan Tobin authored an article, Are Women Missing in Literary Reviews?, that appeared in the Winter, 2011 issue of On The Issues Magazine. The article can be accessed at http://www.ontheissuesmagazine.com/ cafe2/article/141
2008 1983
Joseph Gosselin has served, since 1999, as an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University teaching Technical Drafting and CAD. He also teaches technical and manufacturing courses at three of Connecticuts community colleges. Joe additionally consults to the manufacturing community in the areas of tooling and equipment design and was recently awarded his fourth U.S. patent. Three of the patents are related to the manufacture of jet engine components. Jennifer graduated from Charter Oak with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies. Her concentration was Human Services Administration.
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Cynthia Carlson happily shares the news that she became Mrs. David Olbrys on April 7, this year. She notes that she successfully completed Charter Oaks ECE-ARC program in 2009. Lorrie Moore-Johnson, who earned her Associate degree from Charter Oak, proudly announces that she has received her Bachelor of Arts, with a focus on Human Services, from the University of Hartford.
Ruth Garby Torres informs us that she graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School in May with a Masters degree in Public Administration. She and her husband, Rafael, plan to return to their West Haven, CT home following their stint in Cambridge. While at Harvard, Ruth completed an extracurricular program in the Kennedy Schools prestigious Women and Public Policy Program From Harvard Square to the Oval Office. The program is designed for women who plan to run for public office.
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Margarita Leahy tells us she recently received her Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) from the state of New Jersey and that she has filed paperwork that would license her as a Clinical Alcohol Drug Counselor. She has also formed the communitybased organization, Support of Sober Students, a support group for university students in quest of sobriety/recovery.
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Albert Schmid recently returned from Paris and the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards competition where his book The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook was named Best Book for Cooking with Drinks in the World. He has also authored and published The Hospitality Managers Guide to Wines, Beers and Spirits.
Randell Orner reports that he completed his Master of Science in Information Technology in 2004 at Touro University International; that he earned a graduate certificate in Risk Management from the University of Florida in 2007; and that he recently defended his dissertation, thereby earning a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Northcentral University.
Barry J. Volante has earned a Master of Arts degree from Western Connecticut State University. He majored in American and European History. He notes that he intends to further his education while pursuing a career in teaching.
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1998
Jennifer (Fransen) Johnson writes that she became Mrs. Paul Johnson in 2003 and that she and her groom recently moved from Branford, CT to Stratford, CT.
Leigh H. Shapiro, who earned his Charter Oak degree in Public Safety Administration, has been promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in the Hartford, CT Fire Department. In 2009, he received his Masters degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is a 23-year veteran of Hartfords fire-fighting force.
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Jeanne Leblanc has informed us that on July 1, she will assume the position of Communications and Education Manager for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Connecticut. Bruce Makoto Arnold has had two single-authored and two co-authored articles accepted for publication, although he hasnt advised as to the
articles subject matter. Bruce has begun new duties as a visiting professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Rodney Rios writes from Mobile, Alabama: I wanted to let you know, I just completed my degree (Master of Science, The National Graduate School of Quality Management). I am the first one in my family to complete a degree beyond high school. Thank you, again,
for welcoming me into the Charter Oak Family and making my dream possible!
2011
Bill DeLong has begun his quest for a masters degree with Webster University.
and completing the Alumni Information Update form being sure to leave the opt-in box checked. The process is easy and quick! Should you choose not to complete the form, you will not receive Charter Oak e-mail alerting you to special alumni offers, events, publications and other pertinent alumni-related information. We want to stay in touch! Please complete the online Alumni Information Update form as soon as youve finished reading this issue of Connections.
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has again provided generous support for Charter Oaks Women In Transition (WIT) Program that benefits underserved and underemployed single Connecticut mothers in their quest for degree completion. Both the College and WIT wish to express sincerest thanks to the Foundation for its advocacy.
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Supporter Circle
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Nancy Allen Jane Barstow Joseph Beermann Dr. George Brophy Elizabeth Burns Thomas Cherry Stephen Courtney Cheryl Cuazzo Lucille Cusano Ronald Deyton Elva Dresner Carlo Esidore Juan Fernandez Joseph Fitzgerald Laura Foran Matt Geisler Tejas Ghandi Kenneth Gibson Carol Gordon Mario Grietti Michael Guarnieri Anthony Guerino, Jr Lila Guillet Susan Israel Grace Jones Melissa Kallan John Komorowski Suzanne MacDonald Nuno Marques Kari McCaw-Blaise Rowena McGoldrick Michael McMillan Thomas McMullen Adele Miller Thomas & Ruth Murphy Thomas Ostronic Joseph Paulick Lori Pendleton Lili Rafeldt Diane Robillard Paul Rosenberg David Sloan Joan Smith Jary & Jacquelyn Standley Rickey Sutton Lisa Tassinari Joan Tobin Jeffrey Twombly Lisa Wildman Dana Wilkie Joyce Williams Sharon Wood Lory O. Woods Mary Zakrzewski
In Honor of
Nicholas A. Cuozzo Cheryl Cuozzo Merle Harris Marjory Marsching Rebeka Scalia Joyce Williams Dr. Theodore S. Sergi Matt Fleury & Irene OConnor Bernie Shea David Sloane The Service of Army Sgt. Bryan Kowalsky Nancy Fellinger Lynn Talit David Robinson Diane Goldsmith Shirley Adams Cathy Bergren Dr. George Brophy Carolyn Caggiano Doris Cassiday Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges Kevin Corcoran Tejas Ghandi Grace Jones Merle Harris Susan Huard Ed Klonoski Lili Rafeldt Lillian Rogers Sebastian Sorrentino Gail Terrill Marlene Woodman Lory O. Woods Vince Socci Ed Klonoski Marlene Woodman Shirley Adams Carolyn Caggiano Doris Cassiday George Claffey COSC Alumni Association COSC Cheer Fund Kevin Corcoran Deborah Flinn Diane Goldsmith Lila Guillet David Hemenway Sue Israel Ed Klonoski Linda Larkin Rowena McGoldrick Tom McGovern Paige Pelton Lori Pendelton Rebeka Scalia
In Memory of
Logan Clarke, Jr. Rebeka Scalia Ed Klonoski Michael & Margaret Marusa Michael Marusa Pete McMullen Thomas McMullen Dr. Bernard Shea William & Pat Derech Ruth Budlong Jennifer Shea Beryl Weinstein, The Parents of Mark Miller, Dr. Barbara A. Benedict and James Shelton Lynn Talit Ruth Gibson Matthew Geisler Raymond W. Gordon Carol Gordon Marianna A. Grietti Mario Grietti John B. Rogers Lillian Rogers Hannah Sachs Yvette P. Ghannam Marie Heda Smith Thomas and Ruth Murphy Vincent Socci Susan Socci
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Thomas Christensen George & Maria Claffey. Jr. Deene Bernardine Thomas Desmond Yvette Ghannam Diane Goldsmith Astrid Hanzalek Merle & David Harris Eileen Kraus Shirley Leopold Allison Santoro Susan Sweeney Gale Terrill Thomas Thomas Christine Visick
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Clara Allen Marcia Anderson-Esson Julia Bartlett Veronica Botti Edward Brown Jospehine Caffrey Kathryn Carbone Ellen Carter Doris Cassiday Jacqueline Cheney Marc Cohen Patricia Derech Anne Ewell Irene Falcetti Deborah Flinn Jerome Golden Krystyna Gorniak Kathleen Hartnett Susan Huard Steven Hudak Linda Larkin Mary Lavoie Amy Lawson Kenneth Long William Malone Kristin Martin Tom McGovern Wiliam McKeon Mark Miller Edward & Maria Mullady Gregg & Sandra Nodelman Blanche Parker Paige Pelton Midge Pych Barry Rahmy Raman Shyamala Thomas Slavin Sebastian Sorrentino Rocco & Susan Vitale Barry Volante
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Donald Berry Ruth Budong Carolyn Caggiano Kathryn Carbone Kevin Cocoran Sandra Colpitts Heather Cordasco Louis Couture Howard Cronin Neal Cunningham Patrick Doran Edward Drapp Elsie Rogers Nancy Fellinger Anita Flay Matt Fleury Vincent Gavagan Martin Geitz Kirsten & Oz Griebel Phyllis Gutowski Eileen Harding Albert Harris Ella Sue Hawkins David Hemenway David & Pat Hickox Howard Hostrader Angela Jimenez Jeanne LeBlanc
Charter Oak State College Alumni Association Global Mailing North East Regional Computing Program, Inc.
Barns Group Cardinal Health Company Markel Corporation Meredith Corporation Pfizer Foundation Walt Disney Company Foundation Xerox Corporation Matching Gifts Fund
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Shown are Class of 2011 graduates who successfully completed Charter Oaks Women In Transition (WIT) program and the Colleges innovative CT-WAGE program. Joining the grads for this commencement photo were, far-left, Delores Bell, Charter Oaks Coordinator of Special Programs, and President Ed Klonoski, far-right. WIT and CT-WAGE are unique initiatives designed to serve the educational needs of underserved and underemployed single and married parents.